South Africa is a noisy place. From taxis hooting for customers and vuvuzelas at soccer games through to emotional Parliamentarians, this is a land of Fortissimo, not Pianissimo. That sometimes makes it hard to follow the underlying beat.
So how are we to read the ANC’s ranks-closing but irrational defence in Parliament yesterday of a deeply compromised, oath-of-office-breaking President?
For better or worse, the ANC moves at a different pace. Inside its Luthuli House hub, a fact finding mission is in full swing. Evidence is mounting in support of Deputy Finance Minister Mcebisi Jonas’s assertion the Gupta family decides key cabinet appointments. The party is also reaching out to members around the country. Getting their feedback will take time. Everyone will be given their say.
Leader of the Official Opposition Mmusi Maimane nailed it yesterday when telling ANC members they need to choose between the Constitution of SA or President Jacob Zuma. They will eventually do the right thing. Unfortunately for the economy, they will also do so in their own time. That’s the nature of things in this developing country.
